Price Guide for 1879 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1879 Nickel variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
1879 Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $280.00 - $2,520.00Uncirculated: $345.00 - $12,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $356.22 - $1,995.00Uncirculated: $2,521.00 - $3,507.09
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $500.00 - $2,850.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 - $17,500.00
1879 Nickel, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $517.00 - $86,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 - $22,500.00
1879/8 Nickel, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $518.00 - $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,028.00 - $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 - $12,500.00
1879 Nickel, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,066.00 - $7,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00
1879 Nickel (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $164.50 - $577.00Uncirculated: $2.25 - $10,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $399.95 - $555.00Uncirculated: $350.00 - $1,327.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $140.00 - $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 - $3,750.00
1879/8 Nickel (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $236.00 - $546.00Uncirculated: $324.00 - $84,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $473.00 - $1,699.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 - $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 - $110,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1879 Nickel
The 1879 Shield Nickel represents a transitional period in American coinage. It was the final year of the Shield Nickel design, which had been in production since 1866. The following year, in 1880, the new Liberty Head or "V" Nickel design would be introduced, marking a significant change in the five-cent piece's appearance.
This coin was minted during a time of economic recovery following the Panic of 1873, reflecting the gradual stabilization of the American economy in the late 1870s.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the Roman numeral V, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1879 Nickel has a significant impact on its value. Due to its low mintage and age, well-preserved specimens are highly sought after by collectors. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums, with prices increasing dramatically for coins graded MS65 and higher.
For circulated examples, coins with clear, well-defined shield lines on the obverse and sharp wreath details on the reverse are more desirable. The presence of luster, even on circulated coins, can increase value.
Mintage: 25,900
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,200
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for cameo and deep cameo examples
Strike quality is particularly important for the 1879 Nickel. Well-struck coins with full detail in the shield's horizontal and vertical lines are more valuable. The centering of the strike can also affect value, with perfectly centered coins commanding a premium.
Original mint luster is highly prized, especially on uncirculated coins. Attractively toned specimens, particularly those with rainbow colors, can see increased demand among collectors.
For proof coins, the presence and depth of cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly impact value, with deep cameo examples being the most desirable.
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